Volume 12, Issue 1 (2-2026)
Caspian J Reprod Med 2026, 12(1): 1-3 |
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Delavar M A. Invisible Threats in Plain Sight: Construction-Related Air Pollution and the Fragility of IVF Laboratory Performance, Editorial article. Caspian J Reprod Med 2026; 12 (1) :1-3
URL: http://caspjrm.ir/article-1-284-en.html
URL: http://caspjrm.ir/article-1-284-en.html
Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Science, Iran , moloodaghajani@yahoo.com
Abstract: (22 Views)
In vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratories maintain strict control over temperature, gas composition, humidity, and particulate load to protect gametes and early embryos. In contrast, construction-related air pollution remains an underrecognized and inconsistently managed risk. Hospital expansion and nearby construction can introduce fine and ultrafine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, and microbial aerosols into laboratory environments through ventilation systems, structural gaps, and routine personnel movement.
Preimplantation embryos have limited antioxidant defenses and immature detoxification pathways, making them particularly vulnerable to environmental perturbations. Epidemiologic studies increasingly associate ambient air pollution with adverse IVF outcomes, including reduced fertilization, blastocyst development, implantation, and live birth rates, although exposure assessment varies. Current regulatory frameworks rely on occupational exposure limits developed for adults and do not account for embryo-specific sensitivity.
Construction-related exposures are often prolonged and subtle. Mitigation strategies such as high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration, VOC adsorption, positive-pressure laboratory design, sealed zoning, and continuous air quality monitoring may help reduce unexplained variability in IVF performance and better align laboratory practice with the biological demands of early human development.
Preimplantation embryos have limited antioxidant defenses and immature detoxification pathways, making them particularly vulnerable to environmental perturbations. Epidemiologic studies increasingly associate ambient air pollution with adverse IVF outcomes, including reduced fertilization, blastocyst development, implantation, and live birth rates, although exposure assessment varies. Current regulatory frameworks rely on occupational exposure limits developed for adults and do not account for embryo-specific sensitivity.
Construction-related exposures are often prolonged and subtle. Mitigation strategies such as high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration, VOC adsorption, positive-pressure laboratory design, sealed zoning, and continuous air quality monitoring may help reduce unexplained variability in IVF performance and better align laboratory practice with the biological demands of early human development.
Type of Study: Letter to the editor |
Subject:
Reproductive Health
Received: 2026/01/10 | Accepted: 2026/02/1 | Published: 2026/02/9
Received: 2026/01/10 | Accepted: 2026/02/1 | Published: 2026/02/9
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